ARLINGTON, Texas -- There's no doubt turnovers will be a key in No. 12-ranked LSU's season opener against No. 20 TCU in the Cowboys Classic here. But turnover is also buzzword that permeates LSU's hopes starting its ninth season under coach Les Miles.

What LSU fans want to know even more than running back Jeremy Hill's status for the 8 p.m. kickoff in AT&T Stadium is whether or not the turnover at offensive coordinator can transform the Tigers quarterback position into something more than a handoff machine.

On the other side of the ball, turnover reigns as LSU tries to replace seven starters with a host of talented bodies.

It's a new era all around for the Tigers, and national observers have taken note. LSU is ranked outside of its usual top 10 spot and Miles still likes his team's chances opening the season for the second time in three years against a ranked opponent at a neutral site.

"I think as a program we're used to taking these challenges on," said Miles, who is 8-0 in season openers and 85-21 overall. "I think there's some excitement that builds. I think we enjoy playing in an environment that will be kind of charged and ready, and even though there will be some young guys and a first time experience, the people that have worn those uniforms, they know how to operate in that, and if they look around they'll see some very calm heads looking forward to playing."

Miles is counting on Mettenberger being one of the calmer heads with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron standing behind him.

There's not much argument that LSU quarterback play has been mediocre at best since winning the BCS title in 2007 behind Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux. Mettenberger's inconsistent play last year extended the frustration and Miles hired his old friend Cameron, late of the Baltimore Ravens, to fix things.

The reports so far have been favorable, but the question remains will it translate into making a difference for Mettenberger, the fifth-year senior quarterback and the Tiger offense. On top of all that there's the perception that now Miles, having someone he can truly trust, won't meddle and will let the guru be a guru.

"I think the differences would be the fact that I'm much more attuned to who he is as a person," Miles said. "I've been with him. I spent decades with him trailing him and as close friends.

"There's a personal piece that just kind of allows you to know that the things that you would expect of him over years certainly will happen, and the things that he would expect of me over years certainly would happen. I think there's a trust factor maybe that's a very, very quality one for both."

Teammates have raved about the difference Cameron has made in Mettenberger, both in his mechanics and as a team leader.

"It's there: it's going to be something spectacular to watch," wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said. "Zach has matured so much. The chemistry this offense has is going to be scary for defenses."

Mettenberger will need help and likely it won't come on Saturday from Hill, whose status is not clear. Hills led LSU with 755 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns last year but Miles said he would be withheld from play without clarifying to what degree.

Alfred Blue appears to be fully recovered from a season ending knee injury last season, but without Hill it leaves only Kenny Hilliard as the only other back with appreciable experience. The offensive line has only one player who started every game last season and one who has played in the his position this season. Mettenberger's importance becomes all the more important.

That includes to the defense, which may have to find itself with so many new faces. But the Tigers have a strong corps of experience at defensive tackle. Linebacker Lamin Barrow had 104 tackles last season, cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Jalen Collins played starter minutes and safety Craig Loston is the backbone of the secondary.

But it's the newcomers such as linebackers Kwon Alexander and D.J. Welter and defensive ends Jermauria Rasco, Danielle Hunter and Jordan Allen that have to step up and play like starters. Of the three ends only Rasco has a significant amount of playing time. Behind them, freshmen Tashawn Bower and Lewis Neal figure to get minutes, as does freshman linebacker Kendall Beckwith, the prize of the 20913 recruiting class.

Keep a program handy. LSU will be shuttling in lots of defensive players to keep everyone fresh.

"We have been fortunate to have a very good recruiting class annually, and so that the guys that we would expect to go to the field certainly we think can play," Miles said. "But certain guys come on at different times and at different speeds, and yeah, it takes some development, and it's not a it's not something that you necessarily have full grasp of until you get to the game.

"These guys were recruited specifically to take the spot. They've assumed that responsibility, and I think they'll play well."